tracks

I Feel Ya
In A State
One Of Those Days
Talk To Me
Prep Time
Prep Time
Lullaby
Time
Schiniese
Morning Sunset
Without You
Without You ( Studio Vamp)

notes

I Feel Ya is an extremely commendable first solo effort and is made more so by the fact that (when reprises are factored in) he writes or co-writes nine of the ten tracks. As with all debut albums there is the question of establishing an identity and initial indications are that locked within this big, jazzy player is a sophisticated smooth jazz star who is longing to be set free. Despite understated intro s the high octane side of James nature is well in evidence with tracks such as the bluesy One Of Those Days and the jazzy yet cultured Prep Time . For Talk To Me he combines with Melvin Jones on trumpet to engender a Tower Of Power vibe that really keeps the energy flowing while on the straight ahead-ish Time he shows more than a passing affinity for up tempo jazz in the classic style. In A State is both moody and melodic. Again James ratchets up the urgency as the track progresses but when he arrives at Morning Sunset he dwells longer in the mellow splendour of this evocative track to demonstrate that although his style is to drive to a crescendo he has the ability to remain completely in control. It s a quality piece of smooth jazz that checks all the right boxes and right there with it is the title track. This feisty slice of foot tapping contemporary jazz features a top notch piano solo from Justin Gilbert and when James opts to turn things down its the keys of Derrieux Edgecombe that play their part. First on Lullaby , a tune that does exactly what its titles suggests it should, and then again on Schiniese his restrained bi-play with James is just wonderful. This latter track, oozing with the luscious velvet tones that classy smooth jazz should be all about, is one of the albums standouts and another Smooth Jazz Therapy favourite is Without You . Here James slips effortlessly into an urban jazz vibe and gets it completely right. With seriously sensuous backing vocals, his own ultra smooth playing and a splash of Hammond B3 from Edgecombe this one will be on the iPod playlist for sometime to come. I Feel Ya is a great showcase for the talented Ron James and is certainly one to watch. For more on Ron James go to www.ronjamesonline.com --Denis Poole - Smooth Jazz Therapy

Regardless of instrument choice, skillset, sound, production, or record label for that matter has to be and extremely difficult task to carve out your niche and make a solid impact as an upcoming artist these days. With that said, after spinning saxophonist Ron James debut recording titled I Feel Ya without hesitation there is no need to contemplate this issue any longer because Mr. James has without a doubt comes to play. From the onset, Ron James steps out of the gate with the spontaneous flair on the title track I Feel Ya... which is immediately followed by the infectious In A State certainly sets the pace for this accomplish musician and composer. Mr. James encompasses the passion of his Caribbean heritage anchored by his vision aligned with razor sharp tonality serves up a consistent blend of more than satisfying array of compositions thru out this project to back his mesmerizing yet relevant voice in today s jazz. The future has no boundaries ... unless we create them, words of wisdom by this promising visionary and musician Ron James. After a few listens to I Feel Ya you re bound to be attracted to rock solid production, musicianship and quality compositions is an impressive template of music that includes jazz, blues, and gospel with complimentary dose of soulful funk tossed in to sweeten up this well stirred brew. The humble spirit and energetic voice of Ron James is under the influence of who s who in the jazz world which includes the unique talents of David Sanborn, Quincy Jones, Bob James, George Duke, and David Foster to name a few. It s no wonder his compositional strategy to travel charted paths of familiarity based upon his ability to pen intense, melodic and upbeat grooves that contemporary jazz lovers will boldly embrace with vigor the soulful nuances of saxophonist extraordinaire Ron James for years to come. --Rob young - Urban Music Scene

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